Pearson, The Rev. Lester Wendell

The Rev. Lester Wendell Pearson, 88, of Iowa City, went to be with his Lord on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, at Crestview Care Center in West Branch. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, with a time of visitation one hour before the service. A time for food and fellowship will follow the service at the funeral home. Lester's body will be donated to the University of Iowa Anatomy Department and later inurnment will take place at the Oakland Cemetery, Oakland, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oakland Christian Church which nurtured him on the path to his ministry.

Online condolences may be sent to Lester's family through the web at .

Lester was born Jan. 23, 1924, in Oakland, Iowa, son of Edna (Bender) and Frank Pearson. He remained in Oakland through his high school graduation. After school he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served during World War II in the Pacific Theatre with the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group of the 5th Air Force. On Aug. 19, 1949, he married Louise Warner. Children from their union include Rebecca Ertz, Janet Main and Mark Pearson. He completed his Bachelor of Arts at Drake University, ordained by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and later earned his Master of Divinity degree.

He served his Lord, first as a student preacher in Barney, Lorimor and Madison Chapel. He then answered God's call as pastor in Iowa Christian Churches in Garwin, Coggon, Exira, Guthrie Center, Marshalltown, Creston and Woodbine. He had a special passion for working with youth. He also served in many regional and local organizations.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Geraldine Ruth; brother, Dwight Pearson and grandson, Nathan.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City is caring for Lester's family and his arrangements.

Published in The Gazette Jan. 25, 2012.